Diplomatic mission

By Hadiza Abdulkadir

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of new ambassadors to represent Nigeria in its foreign missions. This ends an 18-month diplomatic vacuum that began after all ambassadors were recalled in September 2023.

The recall, which impacted both career and non-career ambassadors, was due to funding constraints and a wider restructuring of Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements. However, sources within the presidency confirm that the financial issues have now been resolved, clearing the path for new appointments.

The selection process for the new envoys is already underway, with security agencies conducting background checks on nominees before their formal announcement and confirmation. The move is expected to restore Nigeria’s diplomatic presence globally and strengthen bilateral relations with key partners.

Nigeria currently operates over 100 embassies and high commissions worldwide, and the prolonged absence of ambassadors has raised concerns about the country’s foreign policy direction. Despite these challenges, President Tinubu’s administration has prioritized economic recovery, allocating N302.4 billion ($198.3 million) in the 2025 budget for Nigeria’s foreign missions.

During meetings with foreign leaders, President Tinubu assured that vacancies would be filled soon, recognizing the need for a strong diplomatic corps to advance Nigeria’s global interests. The new appointments are expected to refresh Nigeria’s foreign policy and enhance its influence internationally.

Observers note that the new ambassadors will foster economic partnerships, attract foreign investments, and promoteNigeria’s image abroad. With their deployment approaching, stakeholders are watching how the diplomatic team navigates the global landscape to advance Nigeria’s interests.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Amidst the devaluation of the Nigerian currency, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a stern warning to embassies, instructing them not to demand foreign currency for goods and services within the country.

In a memo addressed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede emphasized the illegality of collecting any currency other than the Naira in Nigeria.

The memo, dated May 5, 2024, highlighted the violation of Nigerian laws and financial regulations by embassies invoicing consular services in United States Dollars.

Olukoyede underscored the significance of adhering to Section 20(1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, which designates currencies issued by the apex bank as the sole legal tender in the country.

The EFCC boss condemned the refusal of some embassies to accept the Naira for consular services, describing it as an affront to Nigeria’s sovereignty and undermining its monetary policy and economic development objectives.

Expressing zero tolerance for this trend, Olukoyede urged the Minister to convey the Commission’s displeasure to all embassies in Nigeria, reiterating Nigeria’s expectation for their operations to comply with existing laws and regulations.

This move by the EFCC comes as embassies in Nigeria persist in demanding and collecting Dollars for goods and services, a practice detrimental to the local currency.